Serie A Week 31 - 11/4/09 (14.00 UK)
Inter - Palermo
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
With a nine point lead over Juventus, Inter take on Palermo with a serious chance to kill off any hopes left in their rivals and end the title race well in advance.
Their away victory at Udinese was fundamental and helped them increase their lead to nine points. With eight games to play there seems to be little to prevent them from winning the title. Still, they will be keen to offer a glittering performance in front of their fans.
“It was a special night because we knew we had a chance to increase the gap,” said Christian Chivu. “But we don’t want to think too much about scores, we are ahead and will try to win every game,” he added. “Scudetto? I don’t even want to mention that word…” revealed Dejan Stankovic.
Palermo are doing well this season and find themselves in eighth position with 45 points, four behind Roma. The Rosaneri managed to beat Torino at the Barbera last weekend and will be looking for a positive result at San Siro too.
“We have to improve on our performances, and I even say we could reach the Champions League,” said boss Davide Ballardini. “My team is in good shape so we can go out and play against anyone at the moment.”
Inter will have to do without two key players for this game. Julio Cesar and Douglas Maicon are injured and will be replaced by Francesco Toldo and Davide Santon respectively. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli will start up front while Adriano's problems mean he is unlikely to feature.
Igor Budan and Roberto Guana are injured while Cesare Bovo and Mattia Cassani are suspended. Ballardini will probably play Simon Kjaer in defence. Federico Balzaretti, Marco Amelia and Mark Bresciano are not 100 per cent fit but should be available. In attack Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli are expected to start.
Keep an eye on: Edison Cavani (Palermo) – On a day when everybody will be expecting Ibrahimovic, Cavani could get a chance to prove his worth at the “Scala del Calcio.” The Uruguayan has so far scored 11 goals and won’t be shy in front of the Nerazzurri.
Form Guide: Inter (D W W W W) Palermo (L W W L W)
Last season: Inter 2-1 Palermo
Inter (probable): Toldo; Santon, Cordoba, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari; Stankovic; Balotelli, Ibrahimovic
Palermo (probable): Amelia; Savini, Kjaer, Carrozzieri, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Liverani, Nocerino; Simplicio; Cavani, Miccoli
Inter - Palermo
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza
With a nine point lead over Juventus, Inter take on Palermo with a serious chance to kill off any hopes left in their rivals and end the title race well in advance.
Their away victory at Udinese was fundamental and helped them increase their lead to nine points. With eight games to play there seems to be little to prevent them from winning the title. Still, they will be keen to offer a glittering performance in front of their fans.
“It was a special night because we knew we had a chance to increase the gap,” said Christian Chivu. “But we don’t want to think too much about scores, we are ahead and will try to win every game,” he added. “Scudetto? I don’t even want to mention that word…” revealed Dejan Stankovic.
Palermo are doing well this season and find themselves in eighth position with 45 points, four behind Roma. The Rosaneri managed to beat Torino at the Barbera last weekend and will be looking for a positive result at San Siro too.
“We have to improve on our performances, and I even say we could reach the Champions League,” said boss Davide Ballardini. “My team is in good shape so we can go out and play against anyone at the moment.”
Inter will have to do without two key players for this game. Julio Cesar and Douglas Maicon are injured and will be replaced by Francesco Toldo and Davide Santon respectively. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mario Balotelli will start up front while Adriano's problems mean he is unlikely to feature.
Igor Budan and Roberto Guana are injured while Cesare Bovo and Mattia Cassani are suspended. Ballardini will probably play Simon Kjaer in defence. Federico Balzaretti, Marco Amelia and Mark Bresciano are not 100 per cent fit but should be available. In attack Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli are expected to start.
Keep an eye on: Edison Cavani (Palermo) – On a day when everybody will be expecting Ibrahimovic, Cavani could get a chance to prove his worth at the “Scala del Calcio.” The Uruguayan has so far scored 11 goals and won’t be shy in front of the Nerazzurri.
Form Guide: Inter (D W W W W) Palermo (L W W L W)
Last season: Inter 2-1 Palermo
Inter (probable): Toldo; Santon, Cordoba, Samuel, Chivu; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari; Stankovic; Balotelli, Ibrahimovic
Palermo (probable): Amelia; Savini, Kjaer, Carrozzieri, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Liverani, Nocerino; Simplicio; Cavani, Miccoli
Last edited by Mahdiano on Fri Apr 17, 2009 3:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
